‘I don’t think I could have done it all without a really sturdy relationship and home and family and friends’ – Jamie Oliver obviously credits some of his success to his wife Jools.  Other examples of husband and wife teams where some of the husband’s success can perhaps be attributed to the support he receives from his wife include the Beckhams and the Clintons.

Colin Yule and Robbie Cheyne set up Capture Imaging Solutions in October 2005.  Since then the business has gone from strength to strength and has achieved a turnover in excess of £1.5m in its first year of trading – a success story in itself.  But Colin and Robbie recognise that their wives have played an integral role in helping them to achieve their dreams of setting up and running their own successful business.

Robbie comments, “Setting up a business is never an easy task and takes a lot of hard work and dedication.  This was made slightly easier for us because we knew that our wives were 100% committed to the idea and that they would do everything within their power to enable us to realise our dreams.”

Colin and Robbie are both married with children.  Michaela and Robbie have three children, aged three months, two years and six years whilst Jackie and Colin have two children aged three and a half years and almost ten months.

According to Michaela from the very first time that Robbie mentioned the possibility of setting up in business with Colin she felt that it was important to be as supportive as possible.

She explains, “Even just thinking about taking the plunge and setting up your own business can be stressful.  There is an awful lot to consider prior to making the final decision.  So during the initial stages when Robbie and Colin were thinking about whether or not to go for it I was extremely supportive and made sure that Robbie knew that I would support his decision either way.

“The other element of support that I provided that was extremely important was ensuring that Robbie knew that the children and the home would be well looked after; this allowed him to really concentrate on the decision that he was trying to make.  This became even more important once they had decided that they were definitely going to go for it.”

“I think the amount of support that both Robbie and Colin have had at home has made it easier for them to concentrate on the business and has therefore contributed to their success,” adds Jackie.

Central to Capture’s ethos is that they are a local business providing a quality product and service combined with high quality customer care to their client base.  According to Jackie this is mirrored in their home lives. 

“Both Robbie and Colin are family men and place a great deal of emphasis on this aspect of their lives.  Although they have worked extremely hard and put in the long hours necessary to set up and run a successful business they have also both managed to retain a good work life balance and ensure that they still get to spend quality time with their children.”

“Obviously there were times during the planning and initial set up stages when it was hard going,” comments Jackie.  “There can’t be anyone who has set up a business and found it to be plain sailing from start to finish.  By working together and communicating we got through the hard times and when you consider what Capture has achieved during the first twelve months of trading it has definitely all been worth while.”